I can't put it into words how grateful I am for this graphic novel. 150 years of Canadian history retold through the eyes of indigenous people. I know that the history I learned in school was the Eurocentric perspective and this book taught me so much and gave me an entirely different view of our history. This book should be in every grade 4+ classroom and every Canadian home. Brilliantly told by numerous #ownvoice indigenous writers/illustrators, this book should be part of our curriculum and reading list on Canadian history. This book will stay with me for a long time, and I hope it will open the minds of many and force us to realise we must do better. I also love that it is in the format of a graphic novel, making our history more accessible to people.

This short novel-in-verse tackles the topic of sexual abuse genuinely and with compassion. On page one we learn that Tori has been molested by her uncle, and is telling her mom about what happened. Sadly, as sometimes happens, her mom doesn’t believe her and thinks that maybe Tori misunderstood. This sets Tori in a tailspin of self doubt and depression. Her mom does realise that she is being truthful but the pain of not being believed stays with Tori for a long time. As she tries to understand and heal, she sees the ripple effect this has on her extended family and her divorced parents. Honestly told, this novel-in-verse reinforces what many kids who have been abused need to hear- that what happened is not their fault.

Another new and fascinating graphic novel. A Mexican family lives in a border town and they have twin tweens. This year at school one is going to continue going to school in their town while the other is opting to go to a school on the other side of the border in an American school. These twins are close but their relationship changes and the reader takes their separate journeys with them and sees firsthand the way they are changing based on their experiences. Definitely worth the read.

If you enjoyed Wonder, check this out. The story of Julien's grandmother in France during WWII falls into my favourite genre, historical fiction, and is a wonderful graphic novel to dig into.

Author of Roller Girl, Victoria Jamieson, does it again with her newest release, When Stars are Scattered. This captivating graphic novel tells the story of Somalian refugee Omar and his brother, who live in a Kenyan refugee camp. Beautifully told and illustrated.